Mr Whetstone, Saltaire

Situated in the arty and historic town of Saltaire, Mr. Whetstone describes itself as a ‘sustainable store cupboard’. The shop aims to make environmentally-friendly shopping an option that’s both accessible and affordable. It achieves this by bulk buying much of its produce and allowing customers to take home just as much as they need. Here, you’ll find store cupboard essentials, baking ingredients, cleaning products and waste-free toiletries. Mr Whetstone has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a delightfully old fashioned interior that befits its setting in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Eden, Haworth

A vegan ‘beauty gift shop’, Eden was founded in 2020 by Sarah-Jane and Eleanor Ross, who wanted to offer high quality skincare products that are cruelty-free and kind to the earth. In their fragrant shop on Haworth’s Main Street, you’ll discover a variety of indulgent goodies to nourish both body and soul. Here, you can buy tasty treats as well as vegan perfumes, skin and hair care products from PHB and Amour Natural’s plant wax scented candles. Eden also sells bath oils from Celestial Symphony, which are packaged in beautiful glass bottles that make them look like magical potions.

Fair Trader, Holmfirth

One of the largest fair trade shops in the UK, Fair Trader can be found in the picturesque town of Holmfirth. The shop belongs to a cooperative and is democratically run by its 640+ members, who also have a say in what it sells. All of the products and brands sold here are subject to a seven-point sustainability assessment, which examines their impact on people, the planet and the local economy, from production until the end of their life and disposal. Fair Trader sells a wide range of clothing, toiletries and gifts, from colourful homeware and textiles by Ian Snow to adorable children’s clothing from Powell Craft and rucksacks from Cora + Spink and Lefrik. The shop promotes recycling by selling goods that have been made with reused materials and by collecting its customers’ old foil and pill blister packs.

Your Nuts, Holmfirth

Also located in Holmfirth, Your Nuts is a wholefoods shop that sells refills of organic ingredients such as lentils, popcorn, noodles, oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and more. You can pick up dietary supplements, cosmetics and natural skincare products here and you’ll also find eco-friendly make up by Zao, including their non-toxic nail varnish, which is free from ten of the harmful ingredients found in many other brands. Your Nuts also stocks Zao’s wonderful multi-purpose pencils and lipsticks, which come packaged in attractive cases made from bamboo.

Just Gaia in The Piece Hall, Halifax

Just Gaia is a plastic-free shop in Halifax’s Piece Hall. This welcoming treasure trove for all things zero waste sells refills of dry foods, laundry and cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing, green living books, gifts, loose leaf teas and speciality coffee. Just Gaia makes its own delicious nut butter on the premises, along with freshly squeezed orange juice. You can also buy eggs and organic milk, fruit and vegetables here. Those living locally can sign up for a veg box subscription to receive a weekly selection of seasonal produce, which can be collected from the store or delivered by a zero emissions Cargobike. You can even order an Organic Christmas Veg Box, which includes all the traditional accompaniments to Christmas dinner – saving you from a dash around a busy supermarket.

Grow, Huddersfield

Located in Skelmanthorpe, refill store Grow sells food, eco cleaning products, chocolate, sweets and more. You’ll also currently find a selection of beautiful, planet-kind Christmas gifts here. The shop stocks fresh fruit and vegetables from Andrew’s in Holmfirth, along with sourdough and specialty breads made by the Bluebird Bakery Yorkshire, Bakehouse72 and Roger’s in Marsden. Grow boasts a well-stocked deli counter, filled with fresh antipasti that can be taken home in a reusable tub. The shop has also recently opened its own eatery, which offers delicious dishes to eat in or take away.

Weighsted, Hebden Bridge

Situated on Crown Street in the centre of the quirky market town of Hebden Bridge, Weighsted is a zero waste shop that sells both essentials and treats at affordable prices. Owner Rachel says: ‘I visited zero waste and organic shops all over the country to see what worked, what didn’t and what shoppers really wanted. I’m always looking out for lovely new things and we’re growing beautifully and sustainably.’ Bring your own containers along and fill them with a choice of over 300 ingredients, including organic oils, flours, grains, rice, herbs and spices, plant milks, fruit and berries. The Weighsted also sells packaging-free cleaning products, like toilet cleaning bombs and a wonderful range of useful, long lasting gifts that are sure to bring joy to their recipient.

JarFull, Harrogate

This down-to-earth refill shop in Harrogate sells fresh fruit, vegetables and dry foods, including locally made pasta from the Yorkshire Pasta Company. You’ll also find some great environmentally-conscious gifts here – like stylish concrete soap dishes which would make a great present when teamed with a gorgeously scented soap or shampoo bar. JarFull also stocks a range of natural tooth care products, including Georganics toothpaste and a natural mouthwash with ingredients inspired by the ancient practice of oil pulling. The shop offers click and collect slots for locals but those living further away can order online as most items can be delivered to any UK address.

Zero Yorkshire, Slaithwaite

Zero Yorkshire can be found just outside of Huddersfield in the Colne Valley village of Slaithwaite. This friendly minimal waste shop has a real community feel and sells locally sourced, ethical products which help both the planet and local businesses. Here, you can buy Huski’s rice husk lunch boxes and travel cups, Alter/native soaps and shampoos, loose leaf tea from the Craft Tea Company and cleaning products from Miniml. The shop offers free delivery to its nearest towns and villages and, for those likely to shop here frequently, there’s even a membership scheme. Pay £25 and receive a 5% discount for life or pay £50 for a 10% discount each time you shop.

Tod Almighty, Todmorden

An entirely vegan wholefood shop, Tod Almighty in Todmorden is ‘stuffed to the gunnels with (almost) everything you need for a healthy diet and an ethical lifestyle.’ Here you’ll find refills of all kinds of ingredients and condiments, from flour, baking powder and organic herbs and spices, to hard to find beans and pulses, oils, vinegars and salad dressings. You can also purchase tasty cooking sauces, jams and chutneys here. The shop offers fresh vegetable boxes for collection or Cargodale bike delivery every Wednesday. If you’re calling in, you may find it hard to resist trying one of their mouthwatering Pennine Pasties, which can be served hot or taken home chilled to eat later.

Photos: Your Nuts, Mr Whetstone, Zero Yorkshire